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How long does it take to fill a septic tank?

Writer Ethan Hayes

It takes up to 5 years for a regular family to fill up their septic tank. However, it will depend on the number of family members using the toilet and also on how much kitchen wastes is thrown away. With an average amount of three members in a household, one can expect it to take around four years before they have to consider pumping out the septic tank.

Silky Terrier Dog Breed Playing Aro... Silky Terrier Dog Breed Playing Around

It’s important to note that a septic tank works on a self-cleaning process where solid wastes drop to the bottom of it and liquids will rise up to separate from it. The solid waste then decomposes at the bottom while clean water flows into the drain field lines for purification. A normal septic tank is allowed to be filled up to its brim before it reaches capacity.

Septic tanks that are used in the areas where there is a high water table and another source of contamination need cleaning more often than those that are located on a ground where nothing will enter except for the rain. Regular septic tank pumping should take place every one to three years, depending on the usage of the household and also on how many times it is filled during that period.

If you’ve noticed a decline in water pressure within your homes, then it’s most likely that there is a blockage in the line. Solids from your septic tank might be clogging up the system which can lead to slow draining and the constant need to plunge it. Septic tank lines that pass through wetlands should also be cleaned once in a while because even if there is no water flowing, particles of soil and other impurities can still get into the system which will eventually clog up everything.

Maintenance of septic tanks such as cleaning does not require great knowledge and skills. As long as you have the proper equipment and tools, then it can be done in a very simple manner by yourself or with the help of a contractor to do it for you.

Conclusion: septic tank pumping is needed to avoid hazards especially in areas where high water tables are present.